For one thing, Belichick feels the same way about sharing information about his football team as certain celebrities feel about having their intimate photos pulled out of the cloud and shared across the globe. For another, Belichick says that no decision has been made about whether or not Gronkowski will be on the field.

“I’m glad that Rob’s optimistic about this situation,” Belichick said, via CSNNE.com. “We’ll go through the week of practice and take a look at everything, everybody, and see where everybody’s at and try to do what we feel like is best for the team. With all due respect to Rob — I’m glad he feels the way he does — but, in the end, we’ll have to make the decision we feel like is best for the team and we’ll do that as we go through the week.”

Belichick may be telling the truth or, given the previously mentioned distaste for sharing information, he may know exactly what the Patriots plan to do this Sunday. Either way, the Dolphins aren’t likely to get a clear idea of the team’s plans until much closer to kickoff so they’ll have to be prepared for all eventualities.

The old 50/50 chance of Belichick playing Gronk week 1 without ever explaining himself for making the situation so difficult… or holding Gronk out for 6 weeks without ever explaining himself for making the situation so difficult.

bill always trying to play mind games and tricks but why though gamesmanship is not necessary against the miami fish they needed refs to beat pats last year nonsense….when half of pats team was on IR

sb44champs says:Sep 2, 2014 1:25 PM

Yeah sure Bill… we all believe you!

weepingjebus says:Sep 2, 2014 1:27 PM

Belichick hates both reporters and fantasy owners, and I say this with strong approval. When he finally comes up with an injury report that lists every single player as probable/questionable, I am framing it and putting it in the den.

nite2al says:Sep 2, 2014 1:32 PM

More cloak and dagger from the Patriots…it’s getting old and predictable. In other words, we don’t if Brady while play either.

Put on your seatbelt haters. If #12, #87, and #24 stay healthy all season there will be a shortage of trash buckets in this country to catch all of the throw up from you guys as Brady and Belichick hoist up that Lombardi Trophy for the 4th time. Can’t wait.

You SpyGate Schmucks DO realize that if you
play a team….and have a certain set of hand
signals…..and then you play that team again….
and you keep that SAME SET of hand signals….
that you DESERVE to have each and every one of
those hand signals stolen………………………………..

It doesn’t matter if he starts week 1. Same as every year, the Patriots are like a college team. They aren’t like the Ravens – 2 playoff teams in 4 days to start the schedule. The Patriots start with warm up teams: Dolphins, Raiders and Vikings.

“Gronk please be quiet and let us cheat in the way we deem necessary.”

hairpie2 says:Sep 2, 2014 2:37 PM

Spygate wasn’t about stealing signals, the signals are impossible to steal because they change most every play. It was about timing defensive substitutions for illegal substitution penalties. How, after 7+ years, “football fans” don’t yet understand this is way beyond my comprehension.

ampats says:Sep 2, 2014 2:38 PM

Football players play football.

Gronk will play Sunday under a supervised count until he gets his game conditioning back.

Gronk is a force when he’s on the field. Still, when he opens his mouth he reminds us that he has a bit of doofus in him. Bill’s comments are just intended to remind #87 he needs to keeps his mouth shut.

brutus9448 says:Sep 2, 2014 5:36 PM

LOL cheater speaks.

slew55 says:Sep 2, 2014 5:45 PM

Gronk has played for Belichick long enough to know to keep his big mouth shut about starting. Not even Brady will admit he is the starter….

The Dolphins will have their hands full with the Patriots in the Opener, but the Gronk thing is getting old… Dion Jordan was glued to him last year and he finished with only 27 yds for the day. He was injured for the 2nd meeting (what else is new?). His inconsistent play because of injuries does not send fear to other teams like planning against a Jimmy Graham does. Sorry, but he is no longer elite and you will see new TE’s emerging lke Clay did last year. This year I think Zach Ertz is the breakout guy.